Microsoft Plans a Unified Naming System for Hackers
Ever tried watching a series where the main villain has four different names? It’s confusing—and almost impossible to follow.
That’s exactly what’s happening in the cyber security world right now. One hacking group can be known by several different names depending on which security company is tracking them. Microsoft, Google, CrowdStrike, and others often label the same group differently.
This creates a major problem: confusion slows down response times. For businesses under attack, every second matters.
To fix this, Microsoft and security firm CrowdStrike are teaming up to introduce a unified naming system for hacking groups. Think of it as giving each cybercriminal gang one agreed-upon name. It’s not just a matter of tidying up terminology—it’s about making it faster and easier for experts and businesses to identify, understand, and stop threats.
For example, one hacking group targeting businesses like yours could be called Salt Typhoon by Microsoft, GhostEmperor by another firm, and OPERATOR PANDA elsewhere. Unless you know they’re the same threat, you might miss the bigger picture—and that could leave your business vulnerable.
The new naming system will organise attackers by type and origin using weather-inspired terms. For instance:
- Typhoon for groups linked to China
- Blizzard for Russian-backed groups
- Tempest, Storm, or Tsunami for ransomware gangs or commercial spyware developers
It’s a simple shift but a powerful one. Clearer, consistent naming means stronger threat intelligence, fewer missed warnings, and a faster response to suspicious activity.
And this isn’t just a win for big corporations. For small and medium-sized businesses, it levels the playing field. When global security firms like Microsoft, CrowdStrike, and Google align, it helps ensure your IT team or provider gets more accurate, actionable information.
While it might not make front-page news, this behind-the-scenes change could play a big role in keeping businesses safer. It’s one more step towards reducing cyber chaos and strengthening digital defences.
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